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Edward C. Alexander Award Criteria

Cascade County Bar Association

Nominations are solicited for the Edward C. Alexander award, which will be given to an attorney who is a member of the Cascade County Bar Association and who has, by his or her ethical and personal conduct, commitment and activities, exemplified for fellow attorneys the epitome of professionalism.

Edward C. Alexander graduated from the University of Montana Law School in 1934 and practiced law in Great Falls for over 50 years. Mr. Alexander tried lawsuits throughout the State of Montana and was known as the consummate trial attorney. He jealously represented his clients, and, at the same time, conducted himself with the highest integrity and fair mindedness. Mr. Alexander was honored by being one of the first attorneys in Montana to be selected to be a member of the prestigious American College of Trial Lawyers. He served as chairman of the Rules on Evidence Committee, laying the groundwork for Montana's present day Rules of Evidence. Mr. Alexander also served as Cascade County Bar president, and as president of the Montana State Bar Association. He also served as chairman or president of several community organizations.

The deadline for nominations each year is December 31. Determination of the award recipient will be made by the Past Presidents' Committee of the Cascade County Bar Association by February 1. The award is not necessarily given annually. When given, the award is presented at the Cascade County Bar annual meeting. The award may be given to more than one person jointly.

The Past Presidents' Committee is guided in its selection by the extent to which a person, in the judgment of the Committee, meets some or all of the following standards:

Outstanding competence in the law and in trial advocacy.

Ethical and personal conduct, commitment and activities which exemplify the essence of professionalism.

An unwavering regard to the Rules of Professional Conduct, the Creed of Professionalism, and the Montana State Bar's guidelines for relations between and among lawyers and the State Bar's guidelines for relations between lawyers and clients.

Assistance to other attorneys in facing practical and ethical issues.

Participation in programs designed to promote and insure competence of lawyers.

Participation in programs which assist the courts in insuring that the legal system works properly, and continually striving for improvements in the administration of justice.

Work in the profession without losing sight of the essential element of public service and the devotion to the public good.